Conor Broekhart was born to fly. In fact, legend has it that he was born flying, in a hot air balloon at the Paris World’s Fair.

In the 1890s Conor and his family live on the sovereign Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast. Conor spends his days studying the science of flight with his tutor and exploring the castle with the king’s daughter, Princess Isabella. But the boy’s idyllic life changes forever the day he discovers a deadly conspiracy against the king. When Conor tries to intervene, he is branded a traitor and thrown into jail on the prison island of Little Saltee. There, he has to fight for his life, as he and the other prisoners are forced to mine for diamonds in inhumane conditions.

There is only one way to escape Little Saltee, and that is to fly. So Conor passes the solitary months by scratching drawings of flying machines on the prison walls. The months turn into years; but eventually the day comes when Conor must find the courage to trust his revolutionary designs and take to the skies. Download and start listening now!

Listener Opinions

" Good book with a very interesting plot, in the late 1800's, on the Saltee islands, with a Frenchman, prison, giant explosive balloons, gliders, and a blind musician who wrote an entire symphony on a mud encrusted wall with bio-luminescent coral. Also may include a fair bit of comedic gold, stunning twists, and page-wrenching moments of despair. "

Yuhan Chen | 1/28/2014

" Another enthralling novel by Eoin Colfer which casts the reader into the life of a young, resourceful man trying to avenge his mentor. He is cast into a wild world where he is forced to use his fighting abilities and inventive mind to its limits in order to survive and complete his overall objective. The story has a happy ending as he was able to reunite with his parents and childhood sweetheart, while being able to avenge his mentor and continue his education. This book is a fantastic read. "

Greg Hurd | 12/24/2013

" A fun read from the author of the excellent Artemis Fowl books. It's around the level of the Harry Potter books so if you want something with more depth, this isn't it! It's an enjoyable adventure story, not quite as good as any of the Artemis Fowl books but still enjoyable. "

Janis | 12/24/2013

" I couldn't get through Artemis Fowl. I liked Half-Moon Investigations ok. THIS story I really enjoyed. Political intrigue and adventure. I cared about the characters. Over all a great read. "

Aegine | 12/17/2013

" This is one of my favorite historical fiction books, if you'd call it that. "

Heidi | 12/15/2013

" I really enjoyed this book. It was an exciting story that I think boys/guys would enjoy as much if not more than I did. "

Bv | 12/7/2013

" great novel about love, deception, and rethinking who you really are "

Aeson | 11/11/2013

" One of the best books ive ever read, eoin colfer is amazing "

Lani Young | 11/11/2013

" I liked this WAY better than the Artemis Fowl books. "

Inspired Kathy | 11/5/2013

" This is a great story. I'm surprised at how much I liked and enjoyed it. I loved Artemis Fowl and Eoin Colfer is working his way up my list of favorite authors. "

Delaney | 10/13/2013

" i wonder if I pushed myself it would get better but since i already got bored of the prologue, i don't ever feel like picking it up again. Maybe in the future I would pick it up again and somehow think of to read it, but maybe not now. "

Theresa | 10/11/2013

" This was a fun read. There were heroes and villains doing truly heroic and villainous things in an imaginary setting. The story engaged me from beginning to end. It is listed as teen fiction, but I enjoyed it. "

Tati Dengo | 10/4/2013

" Imagine if the Count of Monte Cristo were less vengeful, aimed at children, and more like a fairy tale. Sweet story with Colfer's trademark humour here and there. "

Sarah Hazlett | 9/29/2013

" This was a truly wonderful book. It had a little bit of every genre. Historical fic, romance, acion, adventure, Scifi, just about everyone can find something they will like. Books like this don't get written enough these days. "

Jolivernz | 4/16/2013

" Good bloody tragedy and high-adventure fun in the Harry Potter vein. "

Rebecca McKinnon | 12/30/2012

" I loved this - of course, I've liked all Colfer's books. I think I've only missed reading one of them. This one was quite different from the others. I found it much deeper than, say, Artemis Fowl (which I did thoroughly enjoy). I'd love a sequel. "

Jeremiah | 12/11/2012

" Steampunk goodness, highly recommended. "

Michael Juan | 9/18/2012

" its about a person that tries to escape from prison "

Savita | 5/19/2012

" I had to do a book report, and I chose this one, and I really liked it, and I'm not just saying it because I like the author. "

Andrew S | 11/20/2011

" AMAZING book!!!! recommended to all, you just have to pay attention to the small details that you think are nothing! "

Patricia | 11/14/2011

" I started this book tonight. It was highly recommended by a couple of friends. I struggled through to about page 50, disiking the book. By page 93, I really did not want to continue reading another moment. Sorry to my freinds. "

Aditya Sural | 6/27/2011

" Eoin Colfer knows how to write an adventure. This book is the best evidence of that:) The flying scenes, the places were all well described. This is his best book(I love Artemis Series, but this is something else). Period. "

Proud2BePINOY | 5/24/2011

" I think it not that interesting. Well its Interesting how he was BORN TO FLY. Well i didnt get it Finished sooo i didnt knw what happend at the End of the Story sooo yea....i might finish it but maybe not.
"

Polly | 5/19/2011

" Leaves me dazzled. <3
"

Joanna | 5/11/2011

" I really enjoyed this but felt like it was probably a little brutal in spots for kids. Great story though! Kind of man-in-the-iron-mask-ish.
"

Adrienne | 4/28/2011

" Surprisingly good. A little quick on the wrap-up, but otherwise very engaging. We listened to this on the way to Utah. I think we'll try some of his other books on the next trip.
"

Sophie | 4/25/2011

" Airman is an awesome book that includes historical fiction and early aviation. It was VERY good.
"

Andrew | 4/24/2011

" AMAZING book!!!! recommended to all, you just have to pay attention to the small details that you think are nothing!
"

J | 3/30/2011

" i really, really liked this book...right up until the denouement. oh and ps this is not, contrary to popular belief, a steampunk book. but it's a good'un nonetheless.
"

Amina | 3/23/2011

" A salways Eoin has done it again. I think after Artemis Fowl, this book is the best of what he has to offer. Connor is an awesome character, love the blurb, gets you reallt intrigued. Good book.
"

Other Titles by Eoin Colfer:

About the Author

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) is the New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series, among many other works. He was born in Wexford on the southeast coast of Ireland in 1965 and first developed an interest in writing in elementary school, captivated by the Viking stories inspired by history that he was reading at the time. He has worked in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy, and his first book, Benny and Omar, published in 1998, was based on his experiences in Tunisia; it has since been translated into many languages. In 2001 the first Artemis Fowl book was published to great success. His Artemis Fowl books have now sold over twelve million copies worldwide.

About the Narrator

John Keating is an actor, voice talent, and the winner of eight Earphones Awards for audio narration. His numerous acting credits include Roundabout Theatre’s production of Juno and the Paycock and La Mama ETC’s production of Cat and the Moon, as well as various parts with the Irish Repertory Theater and the Irish Arts Center. He can also be seen in the HBO miniseries John Adams, starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney.

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